National Geographic: King Rattler Page #5

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to be lost forever.

The snake simply needs a place

to live and the opportunity to survive.

Even after 25 years of research,

Means says his efforts

remain a work in progress.

What's clear is that the snake

plays an essential role in nature,

both as predator and prey.

Means's aim is to help us know

this animal before it's too late.

It's my greatest wish that

in my lifetime,

I'll still be able to

come to places like this

and see the

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

I hope that continues.

Bruce Means reminds us

that the diamondback's rattle

may be more than a threat,

that it may have a deeper meaning,

that nature is sending us a message,

"Don't tread on me."

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